By Dean E. Murphy (NYT)

Published: November 30, 2004

The penalty phase of the Scott Peterson murder trial will begin today in Redwood City after the State Supreme Court turned down a petition to empanel a new jury in Los Angeles. The petition was filed with the court last week by Mark Geragos, a lawyer for Mr. Peterson, after similar requests were denied by a Superior Court judge and a state appeals court. Mr. Geragos argued that Mr. Peterson, who was convicted on Nov. 12 of killing his pregnant wife, Laci, could not get a fair sentencing in Redwood City because of public sentiment there against him. Dean E. Murphy (NYT)